Auggies incoming

This fall, Augsburg University welcomed 680 self-determined first-year students, prepared for the next step in their academic journey and life.

The second-largest incoming class in the university’s history, the students within the class of 2029 represent 212 high schools, hailing from 23 states and 24 countries. Seventy-six percent of the class identify as BIPOC, with 55% female, 44% male, and about 1% nonbinary students joining the Augsburg community.

One of these newest members to campus is MJ Kinsey ’29, who graduated from North Woods High School in Cook, Minnesota, this spring. An anticipated elementary education major, Kinsey plans to supplement her Augsburg experience by exploring involvement in theater, choir, intramural volleyball, and working on campus.

Heavily involved in her high school’s TRIO Upward Bound program, Kinsey says she instantly found connections and support through TRIO Summer Bridge and TRIO SSS at Augsburg.

“Being a TRIO Upward Bound student truly changed my life, and getting to continue with another TRIO family is such an amazing opportunity that I am so beyond grateful for,” Kinsey says. “Throughout my time on campus for Summer Bridge, I always felt that I had a safety net in case I needed anything. And it wasn’t just the advisors, mentors, and other students supporting me. The CLASS office was there, and I communicated with admissions, financial aid, and my professors for the summer classes. It felt like I had a village supporting me and cheering me on for that entire experience. Augsburg feels like a big family.”

Kinsey’s admissions counselor, Angelina Yang, echoes the first-year student’s feelings of welcome, emphasis of belonging, and embrace of diversity within the Augsburg community. Now in her second year at the university, she says that the recruitment cycle as a whole sparks fulfillment for her.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the relationships I’ve built with students grow throughout the year—from initial high school visits and college fairs to on-campus appointments, and finally, to welcoming them officially to Augsburg.”

In addition to first-year students, Augsburg also welcomed to campus 242 new transfer students, the university’s highest number since 2018. Admissions also exceeded its PSEO goals for the fall semester, celebrating both the traditional full-time program and the launch of a part-time program, offering current high school students more options and flexibility in shaping their educational journey.

To all new students, Augsburg invites you to be active members of this vibrant campus community. We offer you the gift of connection, no matter your background or lived experience. We walk alongside in support of your successes and your challenges. You make our community bolder and brighter. You belong here.

Welcome to Augsburg!

Top image: Having completed Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) and in the midst of Auggie Days programming, first-year students receive a warm welcome from faculty and staff, exiting Opening Convocation through a clapping tunnel. (Photo by Courtney Perry)